Puberty gone wild.(animal development and behavior)

Breakouts, mood swings and sudden growth spurts: Puberty can be downright awkward. Even if you're not of the human species.

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Puberty is a period in which humans move from childhood to adulthood. During this transition, the body goes through many physical and emotional changes.

But humans aren't the only creatures to experience dramatic changes as they mature. Jim Harding, a wildlife information specialist at Michigan State University, says all animals--from aardvarks to zebra finches--go through a period of transition as they take on adult characteristics and reach sexual maturity, or the ability to reproduce.

"If you look at it that way, you could say that animals go through a kind of puberty, too," he says.

For animals, the awkwardness of growing up is also not just a physical phenomenon. It's social and chemical, as well. While they may not have zits to contend with, many animals change their coloring or body shape as they mature. Others take on a whole new set of behaviors. In some cases, animals are forced to leave their social group once they reach sexual maturity.

Just as in humans, the process of moving from a juvenile animal to a full-fledged adult is driven by changes in the body's hormones, says Cheryl Sisk, a neuroscientist at Michigan State University. Hormones are important messenger molecules. They signal to cells when to turn on or off their genetic material, and play a role in every aspect of growth and development.